The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) is a nongovernmental organization whose Fund is solely based on donations from many Japanese people who have responded with goodwill to Dr. Shigeyoshi MATSUMAE’s call.

While many donations have been kindly offered by corporations and groups, most of the donors are individuals who are sympathetic with the Founder’s ideals, and maintain contributions to the Fund from their limited incomes. Successful applicants are urged to seriously consider and understand the goodwill of those persons, and ensure that the provided fellowships are utilized effectively.

I. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants of non-Japanese nationality who meet all of the following eligibility requirements are invited to submit the required application documents.

1. Applicants must obtain a Letter of Invitation from host institutions in Japan.

2. Applicants must hold a PH.D. (Doctorate) degree, or be recognized by MIF as possessing equivalent academic qualifications.

3. Applicants must be at the age of 49 years old or younger at the time when documents are submitted.

4. Applicants must have sufficient abilities in the English or Japanese languages.

5. Applicants should not have past or current experiences of staying in Japan. (Except for short-term stay. E.g. sightseeing, conferences)

6. Applicants should be in employment in their home countries, and must return to their countries upon completion of their MIF fellowship tenure.

II. FIELDS OF RESEARCH STUDY

Fields of research such as natural science, engineering and medicine are considered with first priorities.

III. PERIOD AND NUMBER OF FELLOWSHIPS

Applicants indicate the period of Fellowship with the length of stay needed for the Research Project (Application Document #2) between 3 to 6 months, and commencing month and ending month between April 2020 and March 2021. (e.g. 5 months from June 2020 to October 2020) MIF plans to invite more or less 20 researchers/scholars.

IV. HOST INSTITUTION IN JAPAN

Applicants are free to select host institutions (universities, national research institutions or the corresponding facilities in private sector) in which to carry out their research. However, applicants are reminded that they are obliged to obtain acceptance from such host institutions prior to submitting their applications. MIF is not in a position to give advice or recommendation to an applicant for a host institution in Japan.

V. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applicants should obtain the current issue of the Fellowship Announcement from MIF. Or download the announcement from the MIF’s website and print out the Application Form in PDF-format or MS Word file.

MIF cannot entertain requests for waivers of the eligibility requirements and other conditions, listed in the Fellowship Announcement, and will not accommodate such requests.

Application must be submitted from the applicant’s home country. MIF accepts those submitted by POST.

Those applications submitted electronically or via facsimile will be unacceptable.

Applications must be received by MIF by 17:00 on July 31, 2019 (Japan Standard Time).

Application will not be accepted in any reason after the deadline date.